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DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Historic DNA analysis identifies Down and Edwards syndromes in ancient humans

By analyzing ancient DNA, an international team of researchers have uncovered cases of chromosomal disorders, including what could be the first case of Edwards syndrome ever identified from prehistoric remains.

20 Feb 2024

Study reveals novel mechanism for longevity of oocytes

Oocytes are immature egg cells that develop in almost all female mammals before birth. The propagation of future generations depends on this finite reserve of cells surviving for many years without incurring damage.

20 Feb 2024

Novel genetic locations associated with primary open-angle glaucoma identified

An international genetic study using multiancestry biobanks has identified novel genetic locations associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common type of glaucoma and the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.

20 Feb 2024

Breakthrough gene therapy method utilizes bird retrotransposon for safe gene insertion

The recent approval of a CRISPR-Cas9 therapy for sickle cell disease demonstrates that gene editing tools can do a superb job knocking out genes to cure hereditary disease.

20 Feb 2024

Mediterranean diet linked to better semen quality, study finds

A systematic review reveals that adherence to the Mediterranean diet improves semen quality in men of reproductive age, suggesting a positive impact on male reproductive health.

19 Feb 2024

Husker research duo selected as Phase 1 winners in the NIH's Targeted Genome Editor Delivery Challenge

A Husker research duo was named a first-round winner in a National Institutes of Health competition aimed at generating solutions for delivering genome-editing technology to the cells of people with rare and common diseases.

19 Feb 2024

Identification of genetic determinants of micronucleus formation

The genetic determinants of micronuclei formation (MN).

19 Feb 2024

Genetic mechanism shields bacterial communities from viral threats

Like humans struggling to get through the COVID-19 pandemic, bacterial cells need social distancing to thwart viruses.

16 Feb 2024

A plant-based diet and its relationship with oxidative biomarkers in footballers

Researchers investigated the association between plant-based diets and oxidative biomarkers by calculating the plant-based diet index score and determining the levels of urinary biomarkers for oxidative stress in professional footballers.

16 Feb 2024

Transforming Cancer Care: Aventa Genomics and the Future of Genomic Testing

In this interview, Chris Roberts of Aventa Genomics highlights the groundbreaking Aventa FusionPlus test, detailing its superior ability to detect gene fusions in cancer diagnostics and its pivotal role in advancing personalized oncology treatments.

From Aventa Genomics 16 Feb 2024

New DNA recombination toolbox surpasses CRISPR for genome engineering

Belgian researchers from VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology and VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology have developed a new toolbox of 16 different short DNA sequences that allow triggering controlled and specific recombination events in any genome.

16 Feb 2024

Women with HIV experience accelerated DNA aging, study shows

Women with HIV experience accelerated DNA aging, a phenomenon that can lead to poor physical function, according to a study led by Stephanie Shiau, an assistant professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the Rutgers School of Public Health.

15 Feb 2024

Study explores health benefits of selenium and zinc-enriched eggs

Researchers investigated the effect of a diet of selenium- and/or zinc-enriched eggs (SZE) on oxidative stress, cognitive impairment, and intestinal flora in D-galactose-induced aging mice.

15 Feb 2024

Combination therapy shows promise in targeting latent HIV reservoirs

Antiretroviral therapies (ART) stop HIV replication in its tracks, allowing people with HIV to live relatively normal lives.

15 Feb 2024

Combo of targeted and immunotherapy may boost NSCLC treatment by overcoming immune resistance and enhancing anti-tumor activity

Researchers evaluated rational combination treatment regimens for advanced/metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

15 Feb 2024

New epigenetic clocks distinguish aging causes and effects

What causes us to age? New "clocks" developed by researchers may help point to the answers. Investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, unveil a new form of epigenetic clock – a machine learning model designed to predict biological age from DNA structure.

14 Feb 2024